11
CNBC Opens Applications for Fourth Annual World’s Top Fintech Companies List, Highlighting Industry’s Evolution and Growth
CNBC, in partnership with market research firm Statista, has officially opened applications for the fourth edition of its prestigious World’s Top Fintech Companies list. This annual compilation seeks to identify and celebrate the leading innovators in the financial technology sector, spanning a diverse range of companies from burgeoning startups to established Big Tech giants. The list encompasses various critical segments within fintech, including payments, wealth technology, insurance, and now, for the first time, regulation technology.
The fintech industry has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, evolving from a niche, high-growth challenger segment to an indispensable component of the global financial system. This evolution has been significantly accelerated by the widespread digital acceleration spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the rapid advancements and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to drive even more transformative change across the sector, offering new avenues for innovation and efficiency.
Last year’s iteration of the World’s Top Fintech Companies list showcased a formidable lineup of industry leaders. Prominent names such as Mastercard and Visa, both long-standing titans in the payments space, were featured. Stripe, a major player in online payment processing, also retained its position. Alongside these established giants, the list also recognized a number of emerging scaleups that are rapidly making their mark. Among these newcomers were Bilt, a company focused on credit rewards, TerraPay, an innovative payments upstart, and Entsia, a platform revolutionizing the insurance sector. Their inclusion highlighted the dynamic nature of the fintech landscape and the continuous emergence of new talent and disruptive ideas.
This year’s edition introduces a significant expansion with the formal inclusion of "regulation tech" as a distinct segment. Regulation technology, often referred to as RegTech, encompasses companies that develop solutions to help other businesses meet their complex financial regulatory obligations. This addition underscores the growing importance of compliance and regulatory adherence in the increasingly complex financial world, and the role that technology plays in streamlining these processes.
The global fintech market continues to demonstrate its robust growth and appeal to investors. According to the most recent report by KPMG, the first half of 2025 saw the global fintech market attract substantial investment, with over $44.7 billion channeled into more than 2,200 deals. While this figure represents a slight decrease compared to the $54.2 billion invested in the preceding six months, it still signifies a significant level of ongoing capital deployment and confidence in the sector’s future. This sustained investment underscores the innovation and potential that investors see in fintech companies to reshape financial services.
The expansion of the World’s Top Fintech Companies list reflects the maturing and diversifying nature of the fintech industry. From enabling seamless digital payments and democratizing access to wealth management tools to streamlining insurance processes and ensuring regulatory compliance, fintech companies are at the forefront of reimagining how individuals and businesses interact with financial services. The ongoing integration of advanced technologies like AI promises to further enhance the capabilities and reach of these companies, leading to more personalized, efficient, and secure financial experiences.
Companies interested in being considered for the fourth annual World’s Top Fintech Companies list are encouraged to submit their information. The application process is managed through Statista, and prospective nominees can access the submission portal by clicking on the provided link. The core criterion for inclusion is that a company’s primary business must involve the development of innovative, technology-based financial products and services.
The application form, hosted by Statista, requires detailed information about each company’s business model and key performance indicators. These metrics are crucial for assessing a company’s impact, growth, and innovation within the fintech landscape. Essential data points include revenue growth, employee headcount, and other relevant operational and financial metrics that demonstrate a company’s success and scalability.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the selection process and the research methodology employed by CNBC and Statista, comprehensive details are available on the Statista website. This transparency ensures that applicants and the broader industry can understand the criteria and standards used to identify the world’s leading fintech companies.
The deadline for all submissions is April 24, 2026. This provides a considerable window for companies to prepare and submit their applications, ensuring that a comprehensive and representative pool of fintech innovators can be considered.
For any questions regarding the World’s Top Fintech Companies list or for assistance with the application form, Statista’s dedicated team is available to help. Interested parties can reach out directly via email to [email protected]. This direct line of communication is designed to support applicants throughout the submission process and address any queries they may have.
The World’s Top Fintech Companies list serves as a vital benchmark and a testament to the relentless innovation and disruptive potential within the financial technology sector. As the industry continues its rapid evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors, this list provides invaluable insight into the companies shaping the future of finance. The inclusion of regulation tech as a new segment further highlights the industry’s expanding scope and its critical role in navigating the complexities of the modern financial ecosystem.
